Division I Boys Soccer Power Rankings

1. Clayton Valley Charter (5-0-1)

Clayton Valley Charter opens the season at No. 1 and looks every bit the part of a Division I title favorite. The Ugly Eagles have stormed out to a 5-0-1 start, powered by the return of the top two junior scorers in Division I. Rohman Mahmood is coming off a dominant 49-point season (16 goals, 17 assists), while Giovanni Negrete adds another elite attacking presence after posting 45 points (15 goals, 15 assists) last year.

CVC’s success is built on more than just offense. In 2024–25, they recorded an outstanding 64 goals for and just 17 goals against, a balance that carried them all the way to the NCS semifinals. With nearly all of their attacking production returning and an unbeaten start this season, Clayton Valley Charter enters 2025–26 as the most complete and balanced team in the division.

2. De La Salle (5-1-1)

De La Salle checks in at No. 2 after another deep postseason run a year ago, reaching both the NCS Championship match and the NorCal CIF final. While the Spartans did graduate last year’s Division I scoring leader Ronan Rattigan (57 points: 23 goals, 11 assists), they have reloaded rather than rebuilt.

Returning contributors Preston Palazzo (26 points: 12 goals, 2 assists) and Cian Rattigan (25 points: 11 goals, 3 assists) provide stability and experience in the attack. Last season, De La Salle scored an impressive 80 goals while conceding just 31, cementing their reputation as one of Northern California’s most dangerous attacking teams. A 5-1-1 start reinforces their status as a championship-caliber side once again.

3. Granada (6-1-1)

Granada moves into the No. 3 spot after an outstanding turnaround and a résumé that deserves far more attention. The Matadors finished fifth overall last season with a 16-9-1 record, navigating one of the toughest schedules in the section. Their regular season included three matches against Archie Williams, along with games against De La Salle, Dougherty Valley, and Monte Vista — a slate few teams could survive unscathed.

Despite that challenge, Granada reached the Division II NCS Championship match, where they fell to Archie Williams in a heartbreaking 3–2 loss, even after defeating them during the regular season. Their postseason run continued into NorCal CIF Division III, where they advanced to the semifinals before losing 2–0 to Hillsdale.

While last year’s 69 goals for and 52 goals against reflected some defensive vulnerability, the Matadors have taken a major step forward this season. Granada is currently at 6-1-1, boasting a dominant 27–11 goal differential. The collective team improvement and results make Granada one of the most dangerous teams in Division I right now.

4. Monte Vista (4-1-2)

Monte Vista earns the No. 4 ranking after proving they can compete through adversity and elite competition. Last season, the Mustangs navigated one of the most demanding schedules in the North Coast Section, facing De La Salle twice, Dougherty Valley once, and Granada twice over an 18-game campaign.

Despite the difficulty, Monte Vista’s defensive organization stood out, conceding just 18 goals while scoring 38. That disciplined structure has carried over into the current season, where the Mustangs have opened 4-1-2. Their only loss came in a competitive 3-1 result against No. 1 Clayton Valley Charter, while one of their two draws came against Division II’s No. 2-ranked Vintage, an unbeaten 8-0-1 side.

Monte Vista’s consistency, defensive reliability, and proven ability to hang with top-tier opposition justify their place inside the top four and make them a difficult matchup for anyone in the division.

5. Amador Valley (7-1)

Amador Valley claims the No. 5 spot after one of the most dramatic early-season turnarounds in the section. The Dons finished 16th last year, scoring just 22 total points, but have already surged to 50 points this season, more than doubling their previous output in a fraction of the games.

Their 7-1 start reflects a major leap in attacking efficiency, confidence, and overall cohesion, supported by a strong 18–7 goals-for to goals-against ratio. While the offensive jump has been eye-catching, Amador Valley’s current placement is tempered by strength of schedule. Their lone loss came against a 3-5-3 Fremont side, and they have yet to face many top or ranked opponents.

That context keeps the Dons at No. 5 for now, but the ceiling is clear. With upcoming matchups against Granada, De La Salle, Foothill (No. 6), and Monte Vista, Amador Valley will have plenty of opportunities to validate their rise. If the current form holds against that stretch, a move further up the rankings is well within reach.